A simple and efficient protocol has been developed to access symmetrical and unsymmetrical 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles from arylacetic acids and hydrazides via copper-catalyzed dual oxidation under an oxygen atmosphere. Oxidative decarboxylation of arylacetic acids and oxidative functionalization of the imine C–H bond are the key steps. This is the first example of the synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles through dual oxidation in one-pot. Avoidance of the expensive ligand and high yield of the products are advantageous features of the developed method.

A direct access to unsymmetrical and symmetrical multi‐substituted pyridines has been accomplished via iron‐catalysed [3+3] annulation of oxime acetates with enaminones. This protocol is featured by easily available starting materials, no requirement of expensive additives and ligands, operational simplicity, and good tolerance with diverse functional groups.